{"id":1384,"date":"2022-09-02T10:45:58","date_gmt":"2022-09-02T15:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blocksandspots.synology.me\/wordpress\/?p=1384"},"modified":"2024-02-26T06:35:46","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T11:35:46","slug":"building-a-rainwater-harvesting-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blocksandspots.synology.me\/wordpress\/building-a-rainwater-harvesting-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build – Rainwater Harvesting System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Recent drought and water use restrictions have highlighted the need for more water capture systems. Also, known as rainwater harvesting, these systems collect runoff water from your gutters and store it for future use. This post is about how I built my rainwater harvesting system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Rainwater Harvesting System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In rainwater harvesting, stormwater runoff is collected in containers for future use. Some common uses can be for irrigation, gardening, washing, and water features. Without proper filtering, rainwater harvesting is non-potable or not drinkable.<\/p>energy.gov<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The Best Containers to Store Rainwater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using the proper container for your Rainwater Harvesting System is important. There are many different container options and it’s important to determine what the harvested water will be used for in order to get the correct container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best containers are made of dark-color, food-grade plastic, with a sealed lid. The most popular choice of container is a 55-gal Blue Drum. This FDA-approved shipping container has a tight head with two 2-inch openings. Here are the ones I used for my Rain Harvesting System.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"55-gal
55-gal Blue Drum<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

55-gal Blue Drums are a very common food-grade shipping container. They are generally only used once to prevent cross-contamination. Previously-used drums are available for purchase in most areas. I bought mine off Craigslist. A quick search online should find 55-gal Blue Drums in your area OR you can [click] on the link below to have the search done for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let Me Google That For You<\/strong> \nhttps:\/\/letmegooglethat.com\/?q=previously+used+55+gal+Blue+Drum+near+me<\/a>\n[click on the link above to view search results in a separate window<\/em>]<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
I decided to use (2) 55-gal Blue Drums as storage in my rainwater harvesting system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get Rainwater into a Container<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Most buildings have gutter systems to channel water from your roof down to the ground. These gutter systems are generally made of PVC or aluminum. Galvanized metal gutters should not be used to collect rainwater because hazardous chemicals can be present in aging galvanized pipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get the rainwater from the gutter into a drum you’ll need a downspout diverter. This device requires you to cut your downspout and fit it in between the 2 ends. A standard downspout is 2×3 or 3×4. It’s important to measure the height of the 55-gal Blue Drum to insure the diverter is positioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n